Breast Cancer Misinformation Not Linked to Treatment Adherence, Study Finds

In a recent study published in Oncology, researchers have found that while a significant majority of breast cancer patients encounter medical misinformation, this exposure doesn’t appear to increase treatment non-adherence rates, despite causing fear in many patients.

The comprehensive survey, led by Dr. David Gibbes Miller and Dr. Kaitlyn Lapen from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, collected responses from 997 breast cancer patients. The researchers measured fear using the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form scale, with scores of 22 or higher (on a scale of 0-36) considered clinically significant. Approximately 38% of participants reported experiencing such levels of fear.

The study revealed that misinformation about breast cancer risk factors was more prevalent than false information about recurrence prevention methods. Specifically, 76% of respondents reported exposure to risk factor misinformation compared to 54% who encountered myths about reducing recurrence.

Sugar consumption emerged as the most commonly encountered myth, with 61% of participants reporting exposure to this misinformation. Other prevalent myths included deodorant use (22%), cellphone use (8%), vaccines (8%), and bra type (8%).

For years, unfounded rumors have circulated claiming that aluminum-containing antiperspirants alter estrogen cell receptors, potentially increasing cancer risk. Similarly, a 1991 study suggesting that premenopausal women who don’t wear bras have half the breast cancer risk has perpetuated misconceptions, though experts note this correlation could be explained by other factors such as obesity, which is associated with larger breast size and is a known risk factor for breast cancer.

Regarding recurrence prevention, organic food consumption was the most commonly encountered piece of misinformation (41%), followed by oral vitamins and supplements (29%), alkaline diets (12%), and vitamin infusions (7%).

The researchers also identified potential demographic disparities in misinformation exposure. Hispanic patients reported higher exposure rates compared to White patients, though the authors cautioned that since Hispanic participants comprised only 4% of the study population, these findings might not be broadly applicable.

Misinformation spreads through various channels, including social media, product advertising, and even sometimes from healthcare professionals themselves. A separate 2018 study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology found that 39% of Americans believe cancer can be cured solely through alternative treatments like oxygen therapy, diet modifications, or vitamins and minerals. A follow-up survey revealed 16% of Americans believe cellphones cause cancer.

The researchers highlighted the particular significance of social media platforms as information sources, noting that they can provide valuable support systems and community connections for cancer patients, making them influential channels for both accurate and inaccurate information.

“We found no correlation between awareness of misinformation and cancer recurrence fears or treatment adherence,” Miller and Lapen wrote. “One possible explanation for this finding is that patients may not internalize all misinformation they encounter. Other factors such as preexisting health beliefs, relationships with health care professionals, psychosocial support and health literacy may influence behavior or health beliefs more than misinformation alone.”

The researchers emphasized the importance of robust survivorship education and effective patient-provider communication to combat medical misinformation. They suggested developing misinformation intervention protocols, creating conversation guides for clinicians, and partnering with cancer survivors to design resources that promote digital literacy and improve “psychological immunity” against false health information.

This study comes at a crucial time when misinformation continues to proliferate across digital platforms, highlighting the complex relationship between exposure to medical myths and patient outcomes in cancer care.